Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
BULAWAYO Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, has spoken candidly following his recent acquittal on corruption charges, describing his experience as a profound lesson in faith, resilience and leadership.
Clr Ndlovu was acquitted of charges of abuse of office in a matter where he and co-accused Mpumelelo Moyo, the chairperson of the council’s finance and development committee, were accused of demanding a bribe.
It had been alleged that the duo had solicited a bribe of US$20 000 from Ms Tsitsi Mapfumo, the co-ordinator of a Chinese company called Labenmon Investments (Private) Limited.
The bribe they allegedly demanded was claimed to be a reward for 20 councillors who facilitated and approved the allocation of 5,6 hectares of land to Labenmon for the construction of a cement mixing plant.
Clr Moyo has since been found guilty and is now awaiting sentencing.
In an interview following his acquittal, Clr Ndlovu expressed gratitude to God for his protection during the difficult period he spent at Khami Remand Prison before he was granted bail.
“God is great and looks after all of us every time. I am a religious person and I am convinced that by spending 14 days at Khami Remand Prison, God was protecting me from something fatal that could have happened to me. Painful as it was, I was under His wings,” he said.
The Deputy Mayor also reflected on the personal lessons learned from the ordeal.
“I now know those who genuinely love me and wish me good. But we are not a religious organisation and I cannot expect mercy from everyone. Naturally, I am someone who looks at life positively, therefore, I decided to consume only what builds me as I move forward. As one of the leaders in council, I should be seen promoting cohesion, not divisions.”
On his arrest, Clr Ndlovu said it was influenced by both internal council politics and intra-party rivalries, but maintained a positive outlook on the experience.
“My arrest had both internal council politics and intra-party politics as well. But as I said earlier, I take this ordeal positively and God was protecting me from some possible fatalities, I could have been involved in an accident and died between 14 and 28 November or I could have eaten poison unknowingly and died. Therefore, I take it as protection from God,” he said.
Addressing concerns about corruption within the city council, Clr Ndlovu emphasised the importance of strong systems.
“We have tight systems as a city that seek to curb this vice. Only proper systems can play that pivotal role. We have always frowned upon corruption. It is very unfortunate that sometimes corruption is used to settle personal scores, which is very regrettable,” he said.
“However, I believe that as a council, we are doing our very best to ensure there is no corruption in council. It should be remembered that we recently upgraded our internal audit to a full independent department. During the last term of council, when I was a member of the audit committee, I vigorously advocated for that and we are seeing results,” added Clr Ndlovu.
On the political front, Clr Ndlovu acknowledged the dual nature of public opinion.
“Life consists of two sides, negative and positive. Some are the majority and still believe in my leadership, but at the same time, we have those I won against during primary elections and some who want to contest against me in future, they are negative. That’s politics. I shall continue to do right and come next elections, if I decide to stand, I shall beat them emphatically and cleanly.”
Clr Ndlovu also touched on the personal impact of his arrest on his family, paying gratitude to his wife, who he said took over the role of leader of the household during the time he was incarcerated.
“It did affect my kids. It was time for examinations and they dropped. But my wife remained strong, she knew that one day I shall be free. She is a believer.”
Looking ahead, Clr Ndlovu remains optimistic and committed to public service.
“I am a very positive person who believes in progression. As a politician, I am developing thicker skin and shall continue serving the people of Bulawayo and Ward 8 alike. Business-wise, we are also progressing and not looking back.
“On a lighter note, in future, however, when I hear that someone I know has been arrested, I shall drive home as fast as possible. I will not go to see them at the police station, I shall instead send a lawyer to them,” said the Deputy Mayor.
